Safeguarding Devotees and Wildlife: The Heroes Behind the Scenes at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Grand Coronation Ceremony"

 

Thousands of devoted followers of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj gathered at Raigad on the 6th of June for the auspicious coronation ceremony in honor of the deity. With the massive crowd comes the inevitable risk of accidents. To tackle any emergencies that may arise, the local administration and the forest department entrust the crucial rescue operations to the capable hands of the Seascape organization from Mahad every year.

On June 5, the advance team of Seascape swiftly arrived at Raigad, setting up rescue camps at strategic locations. The rescue strategy was meticulously planned with various specialized teams in place. The Mountaineering Climbing Rescue Team, armed with essential climbing gear, stood prepared to assist any devotees who accidentally slipped or fell into precarious valleys or ridges. Their mission: safely evacuate and transport the injured on stretchers for further medical attention.

Furthermore, the team was also trained in  rescue operations, ready to handle any encounters with snakes, scorpions, or other wildlife disturbed by the bustling crowds. A dedicated reporting center at Holicha Mal, established by the Forest and Revenue Departments, ensured swift response to any emergencies reported via telephone.

Fortunately, the coronation ceremony concluded without any major incidents, thanks to the proactive measures put in place. However, a minor sighting of a snake near the Bara Taka road in the Jagadeshwar temple area raised alarm among some tourists. Upon investigation, a beautiful Harantol snake was discovered nestled in a bush of Nigdi species. Swift action was taken to safeguard the snake and prevent human interference, ensuring the safety of both the devotees and the wildlife.

The Seascape Association, led by President Premsagar Mestri and dedicated team members like Samir Vikhare, Ashish Pawar, Soham Salvi, and others, demonstrated their expertise in wildlife rescue operations. Meanwhile, the mountain rescue team, including Chintan Vaishnav, Yogesh Gurav, Chirag Mehta, Om Shinde, Tushar, and more, remained on standby at Pachad, ready to respond to any mountain-related emergencies.

Under the supervision of Appasaheb Nikat, Deputy Conservator of Forests from Roha Forest Division, and the leadership of Mr. Rakesh Sahu, Chief Forest Officer at the Mahad Forest Range Office, the meticulous planning and execution of the rescue operations were successfully carried out. The seamless coordination and support from the revenue department further ensured the safety and well-being of all participants in this grand ceremonial event.

Samuel Navkar

Freelance Journalist